New research shows only 59 per cent of Queenslanders are getting enough daily exercise, and only 38 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
Cancer Council has warned Queenslanders could be risking their health and happiness, increasing their risks of overweight and obesity.
CCQ spokesperson Katie Clift said the findings were alarming.
“Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of overweight, obesity and chronic disease,” Ms Clift said.
“We’re calling on Queenslanders to get active and exercise regularly, to boost long-term health and happiness.
“Even incidental exercise can be effective, for example, getting off the bus one stop earlier, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking a little bit further to get lunch.”
In early 2014, the Australian Government released new national physical activity guidelines, recommending Queensland adults aim for two-and-a-half to five hours of moderate physical activity every week.
“It’s vital to be mobile and moving, to get the heart rate up, build physical fitness, and maintain a healthy weight,” Ms Clift said.
“Queenslanders need to be active every day.
“We recommend at least five hours of moderate-intensity activity every week, or two and a half hours of vigorous exercise, plus muscle-strengthening activities and resistance work at least twice a week.
“The good news is that everyone can spare the time – 30 minutes of daily exercise can easily be achieved through three shorter sessions of 10 minutes during the day.”
Around 2.1 million Queensland adults were insufficiently active in 2014, with those aged 18-24 years the worst offenders.
Up to one third of all cancers can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes including being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.
Queenslanders can encourage their workplace, school, sports club, early childhood centre or local council to help reduce the risk of cancer by joining QUEST for free at quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
*Self reported health status 2013, Preventive health indicators, Queensland, Hospital and Health Services and Medicare Locals summary report.
Regional statistics:
- Only 53 per cent of Central Queensland adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 38 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 54 per cent of South West Queensland adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 33 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 59 per cent of Far North Queensland adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 38 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 66 per cent of Gold Coast adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 36 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 61 per cent of Mackay adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 35 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 55 per cent of Sunshine Coast adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 36 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 55 per cent of North Queensland adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 38 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.
- Only 49 per cent of Wide Bay Burnett adults are getting enough daily exercise, and only 47 per cent are aware of all three minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity.